Photo Credit: Kelsey Lee-Violet Turtle Photography

Tomorrow, the Men’s Hockey Frozen Four gets underway. Here is one prediction for each game.

St. Cloud State-Minnesota State

David Hrenak will win the goalie battle

After seeing both of these teams play multiple times this year, one thing is clear. They both have sensational goalies. Dryden McKay is one of the best in the country, while Hrenak is very good in his own right. With that said, McKay has had some lows in his season this year that have coincided with the rare instance of the Mavericks not scoring against two teams not as good as any that Hrenak has seen in the NCHC. When McKay had his less than ideal nights against Ferris State, and Northern Michigan, his team could not bail him out like Dryden has done so maany times for the Mavericks this year. If the Huskies strike early, the night could be over quickly for a very good Minnesota State team that can score in waves.

Umass-Minnesota Duluth

The team that scores first will win

The Minutemen are without some of their best players due to contact tracing protocols. With that said, the Minutemen still have a lot of talent on their team capable of making the Bulldogs’ lives as tough as North Dakota made them two weeks ago. The Bulldogs themselves are consistently tough to play against, and know how to shut teams down. They are more prone to some less than veteran mistakes than their two previous title teams as new players are forging their own chapters. With that said, we think whichever team can get ahead first will end up winning the game. Both of these teams defend leads well, and each can make the trailer’s life miserable after scoring first.

Regardless of the final result, best wishes for health and safety for all. To even have the Frozen Four this year is something many did not see as possible during points in the season where teams Covid-19 protocols canceled games left and right. This summer with expanded vaccine access, hopefully everyone involved in this great game can complete their course of needed vaccines, and soon, some day soon, all rinks in this great game can see a return to whatever a new normal looks like with more vaccinated fans in attendance providing the lout roar and uniqueness to each venue that makes this game great.

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